Animals Quote by Arthur Schopenhauer
““No animal ever torments another for the mere purpose of tormenting, but man does it, and it is this that constitutes the diabolical feature in his character which is so much worse than the merely animal.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophical essay: The World as Will and Representation, 1818
It argues that humans uniquely torment others for its own sake, a moral failing beyond animal instinct.
In simple terms: Humans can harm others just for fun.
Key Takeaway
Avoid causing needless suffering.
Themes
ethics
human nature
malice
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- interpersonal conflict
- leadership
- social policy
Key Concepts
philosophy
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives people to harm without reason?
- Can societies prevent such cruelty?
A Different Perspective
Human behavior is complex; not all harm is intentional.
![“[T]he appropriate form of address between man and man ought to be, not monsieur, sir, but fellow sufferer, compagnon de miseres.” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be6/arthur-schopenhauer-226_addresses_t-he-appropriate-form-of-address-between_32897.jpg)
![“[Materialism] seeks the primary and most simple state of matter, and then tries to develop all the others from it; ascending from mere mechanism, to chemism, to polarity, to the vegetable and to the animal kingdom. And if we suppose this to have been done, the last link in the chain would be…” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/88c/arthur-schopenhauer-226_animal-kingdom_materialism-seeks-the-primary-and-most-s_50402.jpg)
